"I think the quarterback's really good against zone and finding those pockets and spaces, and I think the receivers adjust routes to do that," Spagnuolo explained. "That makes it really challenging in zone."
Spagnuolo will face Purdy again this weekend when the Chiefs travel to Santa Clara to play the 49ers at Levi's Stadium. His primary focus will be on limiting 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan's rushing attack, but he acknowledges that Purdy poses a significant challenge as well.
"It's going to start up front and stopping the run, and hopefully, we can get the quarterback not to be in timing like he is because I can't find a weakness in this quarterback," Spagnuolo admitted. "Every time I put the film on, I'm more and more impressed."
Spagnuolo reflected on his first look at Purdy during the 2022 regular-season matchup. The rookie entered the game after the Chiefs had the victory well in hand.
"It was at the end of the game, and I think they had taken [Jimmy] Garoppolo out, and it was Brock Purdy," Spagnuolo recalled. "And I had forgotten that, but he ran the two-minute drill and kind of got them down there, and then I think we picked it off at the end. But he looked pretty good then. Not like he is now, but I'm really impressed with the quarterback."
He also pointed out that the Chiefs' defensive personnel have changed since last season, which may impact their ability to replicate their success against Purdy in the Super Bowl.
"But I just think their system is built that they really can expose on coverage," Spagnuolo added, "and yet, I think they've got enough skill that, if you don't have the right man, people covering their men, that that can be challenging, too."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers great Steve Young doesn't mince words on 'terrible' Brandon Aiyuk drama
As if the injury-plagued 2025 campaign weren't difficult enough, the San Francisco 49ers are now navigating a troubling Brandon Aiyuk situation. The wide receiver continues to rehab from the ACL and MCL injuries he suffered last season. While there was once optimism he could... -
Robert Saleh, Klay Kubiak, Brock Purdy preview 49ers-Titans Week 15 matchup
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak, and quarterback Brock Purdy spoke to reporters after Thursday's practice as the team gets ready for its Week 15 game against the Tennessee Titans. Here's everything they... -
49ers confident in Brock Purdy's health following return to action
Against the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy looked his most mobile since returning from his lengthy turf toe injury. His performance signaled that he has put the setback behind him and is no longer thinking about it when he's on the field. It also... -
Kyle Shanahan recalls 49ers' talks with Philip Rivers—and what it meant for Brock Purdy
The San Francisco 49ers stayed in touch with Philip Rivers throughout the 2022 season—just in case the veteran quarterback was needed. After injuries sidelined Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, the depth chart grew thin, and an inexperienced rookie by the name Brock Purdy...